Costa Mesa, California
October 20, 2023
Dear Family & Friends:
Some of you may remember my encounter with Jim Kurz on June 7, 2023. Jim was paddling upstream on the Missouri River to explore the Missouri Breaks area of the River. I was paddling downstream, headed for the James Kipp Recreation Area. I pulled over and had a nice conversation with Jim. When I told him I needed to drive into a city to resupply, he offered me the use of his car, which was parked at James Kipp. I used his car for that purpose on June 8-9.
Jim’s body was found in the Missouri River on June 11, a few miles south of James Kipp. A huge storm rolled in on the evening of June 7. We think Jim’s campsite near Bull Creek was hit by high waters and, while trying to secure or retrieve his canoe, he was washed into the River and drowned.
Jim was 78 years old and had two children, Nathan & Polly. He was highly educated, earning a Ph.D from Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He was active in education and community affairs. He was also an adventurer, who particularly enjoyed canoeing. In fact, Jim wrote three books about canoeing. His most popular book was “Out my Backyard,” which documented his 2009 upstream canoe trip from Wisconsin to Three Forks, Montana. Most importantly, Jim was a kind and gentle person, as evidenced by his allowing me, a complete stranger, to use his car for much-needed resupply purposes.
Norm Miller, who established the preeminent website on the Missouri River (“The Missouri River Paddlers,” https://www.missouririverpaddlers.com/) and I would like to do something to memorialize Jim’s life and his spirit of adventure. We are thinking of a plaque that could be placed at his last campsite on the River, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin where he lived or at the Headwaters State Park, in Three Forks, Montana. We are also considering planting trees in his honor since he was an avid environmentalist. If you are interested in helping us raise money for this purpose we, and Jim’s family, will be grateful. For a $10 donation, we will mail you his book (postage included) “Out My Backyard.” Donations can be made by mailing a check to Norman Miller: 415 S. 14th Street, Livingston, Montana, 59047, or through Venmo @Norman-Miller-63. Please be sure to provide your mailing address.
Glad you will be back on the Missouri and sorry to hear about the mess from the Hurricane. Thanks for promoting Jim’s work, I have a lot of donated book from his son Nathan, so it would be nice to get them all out to people.
One update is that the American Prairie Reserve, that owns the land where Jim’s last camp was found has gave us permission to plant native tree/s at the site. This may take a bit to actually come to fruition as planting season is not currently in October. Hopefully next year or after we can get a few trees at the site. Also talked to some of Jim’s friends in Wisconsin, and some of the funds from the book may be sent to help them plant a few trees in his hometown. I also thought of contacting Headwaters State Park in Three Forks about a tree, which is where Jim ended his upstream paddle in 2005. I hope to drop off next summer a bunch of Jim’s book at the Heller Cabin where Jim signed his name in the registry on June 7th the day you met him. That way, paddlers can take a book home of Jim’s story. Thanks Bill! Proceed on!
Just tried to send money via Venmo to @Norman-Miller-63 and got a message that “We couldn’t find any businesses (or charities) matching your search.”
Great idea Bill. By the way I just searched in Venmo for Norman-Miller-63 and it popped up with the @Norman-Miller-63.
Stay safe Bill
Mark
What a wonderful tribute to a special person.
Take care….enjoy the ride
RIP Jim
Bill, I, along with others who will read your current post, greatly appreciate your caring and ever thoughtful desire to create a legacy memorial (trees and plaques) to recognize and remember Jim Kurtz-a talented man just one year younger than me.
Blessings on your river return.
Rick
Thanks, Bill, for posting your latest message about James. I read his obituary with interest.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/james-kurz-obituary?id=52288067
Of course, I support the project to create a memorial for James.
Good wishes as you continue on your adventure.
Fond regards,
k;-)